Cockroaches have a reputation for being nearly indestructible, but another trait that makes them such formidable pests is their ability to hide. Cockroaches are by nature nocturnal and generally only active while we sleep. On top of that, they are remarkably fast-moving and can often take cover before we snap on the lights. Finally, cockroaches are adept at squeezing into narrow places and nest out of sight.

The only time you are likely to see a live roach is when an infestation has grown so large that they are spilling out of their hiding spots. You definitely want to be on the lookout for signs of cockroaches before they reach this point.

Earlier warning signs of cockroach infestations include:

• Droppings near likely hiding spots such as cabinets, drawers, or countertops, which range in size from being large enough to be mistaken for mouse droppings to small pepper-like flakes.
• Egg capsules glued to surfaces near food sources or in basements, laundry rooms, or other places with excess moisture.
• Smear marks along the walls, which are a sign of growing numbers of roaches. 
• Shed skins from growing cockroaches usually found near hiding places. 
• A growing musty odor near infested areas.

If you spot these, or other signs, that make you suspect roaches may be encroaching on your home it is important to act quickly and call in the professionals. At Pest Friends, we can help you eliminate cockroach infestations and ensure they don’t return to your Tucson home.

The Dangers Of Cockroach Infestations

Besides the tenacity of cockroach infestations, there are a lot of reasons to eliminate cockroach infestations quickly, or even better, prevent them in the first place. Cockroaches aren’t despised for their looks alone; they present a severe health threat to people when in close proximity. Cockroaches spread more than 33 different types of pathogens, including E. coli, salmonella, cholera, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and giardia. On top of that, they also spread six different kinds of parasitic worms.

The reality of how these dangerous pathogens spread is even more difficult to stomach. Cockroaches’ role in nature is to feed upon decaying organic matter. That means they spend a lot of their time in dead things, whether plants or animals, and in sewage or animal waste. Their spiny legs pick up germs in these places that are then later deposited on leftover food or along food preparation areas. To top it all off, cockroach saliva, urine, fecal matter, and shed skins contain allergens that trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

Cockroach Prevention

It’s true that cockroaches can be almost impossible to eliminate on your own, but many property owners have had luck preventing populations from moving in by eliminating attracting factors like excess food and water and limiting entry points.

You can do this with the following steps:

• Vacuum often and keep a clean kitchen.
• Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving pet food in the open.
• Keep trash cans covered and remove leaf piles and other debris from the yard.
• Repair leaks and areas with excess condensation.
• Use gutters and downspouts to divert water away from the foundation.
• Ventilate crawlspaces and use dehumidifiers where needed.
• Seal entrances around utilities.
• Use caulk to repair holes and cracks in the exterior walls and foundation.

These steps are a great place to start, but they are really only effective as a preventive measure. Once cockroaches have moved into your home, prevention tips will no longer stand a chance.

Eliminating Cockroaches

Cockroaches are famous for their ability to survive almost anything, and for good reason. What other animal can live for a week without its head, develop resistance to pesticides, or go for months without food? Cockroach elimination is a challenge. While DIY methods can seem like they are working, they almost never get to the root of the infestation, so after a brief period of feeling successful, homeowners more often than not see a resurgence of cockroach populations following elimination attempts.

For true and complete cockroach control, it’s best to call on the professionals. At Pest Friends, we can set you up with a cockroach elimination program that effectively removes the entire infestation and keeps it from coming back. Don’t waste time and money on ineffective DIY treatments or let cockroaches get the best of your home and put your family’s health at risk; instead, call the experts at Pest Friends for trustworthy pest control in Tucson.